This invasive anti -end species that settles in France is a danger to biodiversity

• Tiny and formidable, the electric ant has been invited in France for a few years.
• Its bite is very painful and it represents a danger for biodiversity.
• What is this new species of invasive harmful arrival from Amazon?

Do not trust its size. The electric ant is only 1.5 millimeters and yet it is one of the most invasive species that concern the European Union. Landed from South America, this tiny beast can be wreaked by in its path. Let’s get to know “the little fire of fire”.

Who is the electric ant?

Originally from South America, the electric ant or Wasmannia Auropunctata has just appeared in our gardens. The one that is also nicknamed “the small fire of fire” does not measure more than 1.5 millimeters, it recognizes itself by its orange red color, but especially when it stings, it hurts a lot. Its bite looks like an intense burn or an electric discharge and the sensation can last up to three hours. It can even cause anaphylactic shock in case of allergy. This formidable harmful also represents a danger for our biodiversity. It was in the Var, near Toulon, that his presence was detected for the first time. According to scientists, it was imported with ornamental plants.

A very invasive species

The European Union believes that the electric ant would be one of the most invasive species in the world, it is even a “worrying species”. You should know that the small fire of fire proliferates very quickly by establishing “super colonies” thanks to a double reproductive system: sexual, but also by cloning. This vagabond ant takes advantage of its proximity to the human being to spread, in particular via green waste and the transport of plants. She has the ability to adapt very quickly to her environment and appropriates all the resources of a place.

A danger for biodiversity

If it is very small, the electric ant can do huge damage: it can sting several times in a second. It can cause blindness in animals such as birds, dogs and cats. She is able to eat her victims to the bone and lead to the death of many plants. In the regions where it is very present, there is a substantial drop in crickets, orthoptera or beetles, but also reptiles and birds that no longer have food to eat. It can promote sap sucking insects and destroy the flora, but also generate a disappearance of many species.

Since its detection, the Var prefecture has asked to report the presence of this ant. In the other regions, it is possible to report the beast on the site of the National Institute of Natural Heritage. Thanks to this portal, it will be possible to know what are the affected regions in order to set up an eradication plan.